Prime Video’s Raakh continues to spark conversations for its unflinching portrayal of one of India’s most horrifying crimes. The crime drama, inspired by the 1978 kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, has now earned praise from filmmaker Karan Johar, who admitted that the series left him emotionally shaken.
Johar, who had reportedly stepped away from social media for a brief break, returned to Instagram to share a heartfelt note after binge-watching the show. His reaction has quickly gone viral, drawing fresh attention to the Ali Fazal-led series and its exploration of a tragedy that continues to haunt India’s collective memory nearly five decades later.
Why Did Karan Johar Say Raakh Disturbed Him So Deeply?
In a lengthy Instagram post, Karan Johar described Raakh as one of the most unsettling viewing experiences he has had in recent years. The filmmaker revealed that he felt compelled to break his social media hiatus because the series had such a profound impact on him.
Reflecting on the final episode, Johar wrote that he was “deeply disturbed” not only as a viewer but also as a father. As a parent to twins Yash and Roohi, he said the story’s emotional weight hit him particularly hard. The director noted that the series exposes “the ugliest side of humanity” and forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about violence, cruelty and the consequences of unchecked evil.
His reaction mirrors what many viewers have expressed online since the show’s release, with social media discussions focusing heavily on the story’s emotional impact rather than just its crime-thriller elements.
About Raakh
Raakh is inspired by the real-life Ranga-Billa case, one of the most notorious crimes in modern Indian history. In August 1978, Delhi teenagers Geeta Chopra and Sanjay Chopra were abducted, tortured and murdered by Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa). The case shocked the nation, triggered public outrage and remains one of India’s most widely discussed criminal cases. Rather than focusing solely on the crime itself, Raakh explores the devastating aftermath of the tragedy. The series examines how the loss shattered an ordinary family and left an entire city gripped by fear.
The show also highlights the emotional and psychological scars left behind long after newspaper headlines faded. By shifting attention from the perpetrators to the victims and their loved ones, Raakh attempts to tell a more human story about grief, resilience and trauma.
Which Performances Impressed Karan Johar The Most?
While Johar praised the series as a whole, he reserved special appreciation for Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir. The filmmaker described their performances as “career-defining,” saying they brought extraordinary authenticity to the roles of parents coping with unimaginable loss. According to Johar, the pair’s portrayal of grief felt so real that it left him awestruck. He noted that they did not simply play the characters—they became them.
The filmmaker also applauded Ali Fazal for his contribution to the series and acknowledged the performances of Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav. His praise has added to the growing critical appreciation surrounding the cast, with many viewers highlighting the show’s emotionally grounded performances as one of its strongest aspects.
How Has Raakh Been Received So Far?
Since its premiere, Raakh has generated significant discussion online for its restrained storytelling and refusal to sensationalise a real-life tragedy. Johar specifically praised director Prosit Roy’s approach, describing the storytelling as powerful yet non-manipulative. He credited the filmmaker for maintaining emotional honesty without relying on excessive dramatization. The series arrives at a time when true-crime stories continue to dominate streaming platforms. However, unlike many productions that focus on shocking details, Raakh places greater emphasis on loss, memory and the long-term consequences of violence.
That approach appears to be resonating with audiences looking for more thoughtful and emotionally layered storytelling.
Why Is The Ranga-Billa Case Still Remembered Today?
Nearly 50 years later, the Ranga-Billa case remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s criminal history. The murders of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra led to widespread outrage, sparked conversations about child safety and influenced public discourse around law enforcement and capital punishment.
The siblings were later posthumously honoured with the Kirti Chakra for the courage they displayed while resisting their attackers. By revisiting this tragedy through Raakh, the creators aim not only to recount a crime but also to preserve the memory of two young lives whose story continues to resonate across generations.
